21/1/05
Passengers willing to share a taxi with others travelling in the same direction will be able to take part in a pilot program that will begin this Saturday night in Fremantle.
‘Taxi Fare Share’ will operate from the South Terrace rank to surrounding suburbs over eight Saturday nights, between midnight and 5.30am.
Planning and Infrastructure Minister Alannah MacTiernan said the Fare Share system was simple and convenient and a new way of ensuring taxi patrons can get transport in peak periods.
“Fare Share coordinators funded by the State Government Taxi Fund will supervise the taxi rank. These personnel will be in addition to the normal security presence,” Ms MacTiernan said.
“Passenger groups with a minimum of three can use the system and be dropped off at points along selected routes.
“For ease and fairness a set fare is charged for each zone so passengers know exactly how much they have to pay.”
The program is completely voluntary and passengers are under no obligation to share a cab with someone.
At this stage, the Fare Share trial project will apply to passengers travelling from Fremantle to suburbs south of the Swan River, which are bordered by Stock Road, North Lake Road and Mayor Road.
The trial was recommended by a taskforce established by the State Government to deal with issues surrounding taxis and patrons of Fremantle’s nightclub scene.
The taskforce included representatives from the City of Fremantle, the Taxi Council and the Fremantle Chamber of Commerce.
The City of Fremantle has enlarged the taxi rank to make it easier to operate the new system and the State Government has installed cameras to make it safer.
Minister's office: 9213 6400
